Jerrzi Coral vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream
An in-depth look at the Jerrzi Coral and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Jerrzi Coral and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream are both linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Coral switch is praised for its distinctively crisp typing feel and lower-pitched resonance, striking a balance between sophistication and performance. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switch provides a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that adds texture to each keystroke. While the Coral switch is categorized as 'Low-pitched' and 'Silky', the Cream switch is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating'. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Jerrzi Coral and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Coral's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Cream's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Despite their differences, both materials are ideal for switches that prioritize sound clarity and resonance. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for the incorporation of RGB lighting, adding a visual element to the switch.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Coral's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Cream's POM bottom housing contributes to a deep and muted sound experience. While both materials aim to enhance the overall sound of the switch, their specific properties result in slightly different end results. It is interesting to note that the qualities of the top and bottom housings combine to create a complete typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Jerrzi Coral and Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches, they both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles for keyboard enthusiasts. Whether it's the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Coral or the deeper, muted sound of POM in the Cream, both switches prioritize sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the impact of housing materials on the typing experience is evident, with the top and bottom housings each playing a role in creating a satisfying keypress feel. Overall, both switches demonstrate the importance of housing materials in creating a distinct and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, making it difficult to directly compare the two in that aspect. The lighter actuation force of the Coral switch may appeal to users looking for a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier actuation force of the Cream switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Jerrzi Coral linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. While both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, the Coral offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance. Gamers may prefer the Coral for its faster key presses, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cream. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for travel distance and key press feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Jerrzi Coral has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Coral for $2.30.
The Kailh NovelKeys Cream has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the NovelKeys Cream for $6.25.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Jerrzi Coral switch offers a low-pitched tone that gives off a bass-heavy and mellow sound, adding a touch of sophistication to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch also provides a low-pitched sound profile, but with a deeper resonance that can create a more immersive auditory experience. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preference for a more nuanced or resonant typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Jerrzi Coral switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience and minimizing resistance when pressing and releasing keys. In contrast, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch provides a buttery and textured feel that ensures a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Additionally, the Cream switch is known to be invigorating, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy feel for a more immersive typing experience. While both switches deliver a smooth typing experience, the Cream switch may appeal more to users who prefer a slightly more tactile feel.
Overall, both the Jerrzi Coral and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Coral switch provides a lower-pitched and crisp typing feel, while the Cream switch offers a deep sound profile and a buttery, invigorating feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to achieve a customized and satisfying typing experience. If one desires a more bass-heavy and mellow sound with a silky typing feel, the Coral switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, for those seeking a deeper resonance and a buttery, textured typing sensation, the Cream switch would be a great option. Ultimately, both switches offer high-quality performance and a delightful typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a switch that offers a distinctive, crisp typing experience with a lower-pitched resonance, then the Jerrzi Coral linear switch is the way to go. The Coral switch provides a nuanced sophistication and stellar performance that can make every keystroke a delight. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch might be more suitable for you. The Cream switch offers a medium-heavy bottom out force and a resonant, low-pitched sound profile that some users find immersive. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.